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Uruguay 2 1 1 0 3 0 +3 4 Mexico 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 4 France 2 0 1 1 0 2 -2 1 South Africa 2 0 1 1 1 4 -3 1
Remaining games (Tuesday, 3pm): Mexico v Uruguay, France v South Africa
This one is reasonably straightforward and it’s already been well-publicised that France (or, for that matter, South Africa) are reliant on there being a positive result in the other match to stand any chance of progressing. A draw between Uruguay and Mexico is mutually convenient and would see both go through – with Uruguay as group winners. But while we’re not likely to see many risks being taken, I don’t see the draw as a foregone conclusion, Mexico in particular would like to win if the opportunity arises to put themselves at the top and avoid a (presumed) clash against Argentina in the last 16.
If one or other team does win that game, then either France or South Africa have a chance to catch the losers on four points by winning their own head-to-head. Both teams have a fair bit of goal difference to make up as well though – France would need a goal difference swing of four if it’s Mexico they’re trying to catch, or five if it’s Uruguay; for South Africa the figures are five or six respectively. And if we’re looking particularly at France, head-to-head records and goals scored do them no favours at present either. So if Mexico were to lose 1-0, then the minimum result France need is 4-1 (3-0 won’t do it); if Uruguay lose 1-0 then France need to win 4-0 or better. It’s all looking pretty unlikely, and even less likely for the hosts.
Drawing of lots potential: Not likely, but it could happen, either between France and Uruguay or South Africa and Mexico. In each case the sides would need to get the same results against their opponents as the other team concerned did in the last game (or something that has the equivalent effect), so a France 3-0 win and a Uruguay 2-0 defeat would do it, or SA to win 2-0 and Mexico lose 3-0.
Group B
Argentina 2 2 0 0 5 1 +4 6 South Korea 2 1 0 1 3 4 -1 3 Greece 2 1 0 1 2 3 -1 3 Nigeria 2 0 0 2 1 3 -2 0
Remaining games (Tuesday, 7:30pm): Nigeria v South Korea, Greece v Argentina
Lots to play for here, all teams are still in it and it’s one of those groups where someone could miss out despite having six points, or someone could yet squeak through with only three.
Argentina need need only avoid a 3-0 defeat to guarantee qualifying, and a point to guarantee going through as group winners. If they should lose to Greece then the latter would catch them on six points, and would also be joined by South Korea if they should beat Nigeria. Both Greece and South Korea need a goal difference swing of five to catch Argentina – if we assume the Argies manage to avoid that fate then there’s only a single spot available. So, if both Greece and South Korea win then whichever of them has the bigger winning margin gets through – realistically Greece would need it to be them as they’re behind on goals scored (by 1) and also lost the head-to-head game which would be the decider should they win, say, 2-1 while the Koreans won 1-0.
If either of these two sides gets a better result than the other then they of course go through; if both teams draw then South Korea again go through either on goals scored or head-to-head unless Greece’s draw involves at least two more goals per side than South Korea’s.
If, however, both these sides lose then Nigeria catch them and all three finish on three points. If this happens the equation becomes much simpler: Nigeria are guaranteed to have the best goal difference in that circumstance and would join Argentina in round two. Although this is the only set of results that suits Nigeria, it’s by no means implausible – if Argentina beat Greece, as they should, then Nigeria’s fate is in their own hands.
Drawing of lots potential: None, sorry. It can’t happen here.
keep up the good work. Tomorrow’s post will be intresting. I think Uruguay and Mexico will go through. And Argentina and Greece too.